GUIDE TO 30 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL FLORIDA THIS AUGUST 2023
August is the perfect time to come to Central Florida! The Orlando area offers Things To Do for every kind of traveler. There are events for the music lover, the art enthusiast, the outdoor festival explorer, and even the sports fanatic.
As always, we invite you to make Thurston House your home away from home while you visit Central Florida for your summertime adventures. Most of the August events we’ve listed below take place within a 20-minute drive of our Central Florida bed & breakfast.
SUMMERTOBERFEST Visit Website
Krush Brau Park 2198 Four Winds Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Celebrate German culture at Summertoberfest: a lively event with music, food, and beer. Enjoy traditional tunes, dance, and modern performances. Indulge in bratwurst, pretzels, and more. Sip on authentic German beers. Family-friendly activities and contests included. Join us for a memorable day of joy and authentic German experiences. Prost!
Presented By: Krush Brau Park
Dates: Saturdays, August 5, 2023 – September 2, 2023
Price: Free
Time: 12 – 8 p.m.
A CHORUS LINE Visit Website
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
College performers, a part of Dr. Phillips Center’s Pre-Professional Production, present A Chorus Line, directed by Baayork Lee. An icon of American musical theatre, this Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning “singular sensation” comes from the genius of choreographer Michael Bennett and the legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch.
Presented By: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dates: August 4, 2023 – August 6, 2023
Price: From $25.25
KATRINA MENA RICK FEATURING THE JULIAN BOND TRIO Visit Website
1905 Kentucky Ave Winter Park, FL 32789
Powerhouse vocalist Katrina Mena Rick partners with the locally acclaimed Julian Bond Trio to present “Dreams Come True” – a celebration of jazz, bossa nova, and Cuban music. Featuring Julian Bond on piano, Charlie Silva on bass, and Don Sanderson on drums.
Katrina Mena Rick is a classically trained jazz vocalist who specializes in bossa nova and bolero. Katrina began singing professionally at the age of 8 with the Florida Grand Opera, and has performed both as a featured vocalist for the Puppa Santana Jazz Band in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, as well as background vocalist for recording artists such as Joey Fatone, Ryan Cabrera, and more.
Dates: August 4, 2023
Price: $25
Time: 8 – 10 p.m.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Visit Website
Orlando Shakes 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803
It was December 4th, 1956, and Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee was about to become the mecca of music for a magical moment in music history. Be witness to this true to life jam session – credited by many to be the direct influence of rock ‘n roll in the late 50s and 60s – between Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins! Come hear “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog” and many more!
Presented By: Orlando Shakes
Dates: August 2, 2023 – August 20, 2023
Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
SOCCER CHAMPIONS TOUR HOSTED BY FLORIDA CUP: JUVENTUS VS. REAL MADRID Visit Website 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
Real Madrid CF will meet Juventus in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on the evening of Wednesday, August 2. The match between the two iconic global clubs is part of the Soccer Champions Tour and will be hosted by the Florida Cup, the Sunshine State’s largest annual international soccer event.
Dates: August 2, 2023
GAMING COMMUNITY EXPO 2023 Visit Website
Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
The Gaming Community Expo (GCX) will host a two-day event, partnering with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to create a unique gaming experience for attendees. The GCX event will bring together over 300 content creators and their communities, including YouTube, Facebook Gaming, Twitch, and TikTok personalities. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in personal meet-and-greet sessions with 30 content creators.
Dates: August 4, 2023 – August 5, 2023
Time:9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ART’S THE SPARK! Visit Website
Orlando Museum of Art
2416 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL 32803
Through interactive tours of the Museum’s exhibitions, Art’s the Spark gives those living with memory impairment, or any other neurological impairment, such as early stage Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, and their healthy caregivers a fun experience, an expressive outlet and an opportunity for adult discussions.
Dates: Select Saturdays 8/5/2023, 9/2/2023, 10/7/2023
Price: Free
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
DON SOLEDAD QUARTET PRESENTS: ARTE Y PASION Visit Website
1905 Kentucky Ave Winter Park, FL 32789
Don Soledad presents “Arte y Pasíon” (Art and Passion) – an evening of flamenco. Join Don Soledad on flamenco guitar and his quartet as they take you on a journey to Southern Spain and beyond. Featuring Tanner Johnson on violin, Josip E. Zambrano on percussion, and flamenco dancer Laura Pirela.
Dates: August 5, 2023
Price: $20 – $35
Time: 8 – 10 p.m.
GEORGE LOPEZ: ALLLRIIIIGHT! COMEDY TOUR Visit Website
Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando 6050 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
George Lopez comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando.
Presented By: Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando
Dates: August 5, 2023
Price: $60.50 – $75.50
Time: 8 – 10:30 p.m.
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY Visit Website
The Mennello Museum of American Art 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803
Every second Sunday of the month is Free Family Funday! Join us at the museum for free admission, docent led tours of the galleries, and a fine art project! Art Projects are available to make or take home with you between 12 pm – 2:30 pm. The museum galleries also stay open until 4:30 p.m. for all guests.
Presented By: The Mennello Museum of American Art
Dates: 8/13/2023, 9/10/2023, 10/8/2023
Price: Free
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS VS. PITTSBURGH STEELERS Visit Website
4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium.
Presented By: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dates: August 11, 2023
Time: 7 p.m.
FLORIDA KIDS AND FAMILY EXPO Visit Website
9800 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE ORLANDO, FL 32819
Spend the day discovering over 200 exhibitors with schools, products, services, entertainment, and more. While you’re busy discovering all that’s possible for your family, your kids can interact with animals, meet their favorite characters, ride a pony, watch a live show, learn to use a lightsaber, play games, and so much more! There is simply too much to list it all. The only way to experience it is to attend!
Dates: August 12, 2023 – August 13, 2023
Price: $8 in advance and $15 at the door (ages 3+)
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
NASA & SPACEX LAUNCH: NASA’S SPACEX CREW-7 Visit Website
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex1 Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
NASA and SpaceX will soon launch the seventh crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP).
Presented By: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Dates: August 15, 2023
Price: Included with admission
LICENSE TO DRIVE TRACK LAPS AT DAYTONA Visit Website
1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
DRIVE YOUR PERSONAL VEHICLE FOR TWO ESCORTED LAPS AROUND THE DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY ROAD COURSE
Dates: August 15, 2023
Price: $50 Per Vehicle
Time: 1 – 7 p.m.
CULTURAL CELEBRATION Visit Website
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens 3755 West Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32771
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for our fourth Sunset event of 2023, as we proudly celebrate Native American & Alaska Native culture and heritage! We’ll reopen the gates at 5:00 p.m. for guests to enjoy exploring the zoo, with music, food & more until the sun goes down!
- Vendors
- Food Trucks
- Plus other one-night only food options
- DJ Darren spinning your favorite tunes
- Themed crafts & family activities
Presented By: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Dates: August 25, 2023
Price: $6 online, $8 onsite
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
ORLANDO PRIDE VS. CHICAGO RED STARS Visit Website
Orlando City Soccer Club 655 West Church Street, Orlando, FL 32805
Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League take on Chicago Red Stars at Exploria Stadium.
Presented By: Orlando City Soccer Club
Dates: August 20, 2023
Price: Varies
Time: 7 p.m.
WAWA 250 POWERED BY COCA-COLA Visit Website
1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS FOR THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES Be here to experience the intensity as NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers go all out to keep their championship hopes alive at the World Center of Racing.
Dates: August 25, 2023
Price: From $35
Time: 7:30 p.m.
FROZEN JR. Visit Website
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 South Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
Tap Into Theater Academy proudly presents Frozen Junior The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for to take the stage by (snow)storm! Frozen JR. brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage.
Presented By: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dates: 8/9/2023
Price: From $30
HONKY TONK LAUNDRY Visit Website
The Winter Park Playhouse 711 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Wash your cares away with this musical comedy full of country favorites from Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and more!
Presented By: The Winter Park Playhouse
Dates: August 4 – 27, 2023
Price: $20 – 46
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK TOUR Visit Website
Art & History Museums – Maitland 210 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
An exotic art adventure just 15 minutes from downtown Orlando! See more than 2,000 carvings, sculptures, & murals on a guided tour of the beautiful gardens & architecture of this National Historic Landmark.
Presented By: Art & History Museums – Maitland
Dates: 8/5/2023, 8/10/2023, 8/19/2023, 8/24/2023
Price: $6, includes admission to 3 museums and grounds for the day / Free for members
Time: 10 – 10:45 a.m.
BILLY VS. ELTON: A CONCERT TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOEL AND ELTON JOHN Visit Website
House of Blues 1490 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Billy vs Elton: A Concert Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John comes to House of Blues Orlando at Disney Springs.
Presented By: House of Blues
Dates: August 11, 2023
Price: $16.50 – $75.00
Time: 8:30 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT CABARET SERIES: PATRECE BLOOMFIELD Visit Website
The Winter Park Playhouse 711 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Patrece Bloomfield returns to The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series with her latest solo cabaret, Hollywood Meets Jazz: A Tribute to the Legends. Join Patrece for an exciting evening of music and story.
This unique form of entertainment showcases a different professional singer each month. A truly “New York-style” cabaret, each performance is approximately 55 minutes in length with no intermission. Doors open at 6:30pm for seating.
Presented By: The Winter Park Playhouse
Dates: August 16, 2023 – August 17, 2023
Price: $20
Time: 7:30 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO COLDPLAY Visit Website
100 S Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at The Abbey under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Dates: 8/17/2023, 9/13/2023
Price: $35 – $55
Time: 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.
DEPARTURE: TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY Visit Website
House of Blues 1490 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Departure: Tribute To Journey comes to House of Blues Orlando.
Presented By: House of Blues
Dates: August 18, 2023
Price: $16.50 – $70.00
Time: 8:45 p.m.
TRIBUTE TO JIMI HENDRIX FT. WILL PATRICK Visit Website
Timucua Arts Foundation 2000 S Summerlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
Jimi Hendrix is still considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Will Patrick will pay tribute with his power trio of virtuosos. Multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter from Orlando, Will Patrick combines R&B, jazz, funk, rock, hip-hop, and soul music.
Presented By: Timucua Arts Foundation
Dates: August 18, 2023
Price: $25
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
CLASSICALLY SUMMER: STRINGS Visit Website
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Welcome to Classically Summer, a 3-part concert series featuring musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Programs have been specially curated by the musicians performing them. All concerts will feature outstanding OPO Principal Musicians plus a few special surprise guests. You won’t want to miss these delightful and intriguing programs designed to fill your summer with music!
Presented By: Orlando Philharmonic
Dates: August 19, 2023
Price: Members: $25 adults, $5 children under 13 | Non-Members: $35 adults, $15 children under 13
Time: 6 p.m.
OPERA ORLANDO: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES – L’ARTE NEL SUO MISTERO Visit Website
Opera Orlando 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Opera Orlando launches its 2023-24 All for Art season in song this August with its annual Opera Orlando in Concert: Summer Concert Series at the University Club of Winter Park. Enjoy a fun and diverse selection of songs, arias, and duets, as well as wine and light hors d’oeuvres during a post-concert reception with each artist, who will be featured throughout the Opera’s upcoming season.
Dates: Sundays | August 13, 20, & 27 at 2 p.m.; Sunday | August 20 at 2 p.m.
Price: Individual tickets $45, season subscription $125
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Visit Website
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
With beloved musical numbers, including “A Weekend In The Country” and “Send In The Clowns,” Central Florida Vocal Arts launches its eleventh season with Sondheim’s romantic comedy, A Little Night Music.
Recently named company Artistic Director, stage director Eric Pinder will lead a cast of the finest local performers in this piece that asks what happens to love when it is tarnished by time and man’s foolishness? It has not been produced in Central Florida in over a decade. Sondheim’s score will be embodied in its fullness by Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Aaron Collins.
Presented By: Central Florida Vocal Arts
Dates: 8/19/2023, 8/20/2023
Price: $35 – $45
Time: 8 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD Visit Website
100 S Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Pink Floyd at The Abbey under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Dates: 8/22/2023
Price: $35 – $55
Time: 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.
ORLANDO PLAY-IN-A-DAY 2023! Visit Website
The Orlando Fringe 54 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
Teams of local artists work in the course of 24 hours to create short plays (10 min. or less) with a theme given to them the day before and these works are presented off-book with minimal props/set/costumes for a live audience.
Presented By: The Orlando Fringe
Dates: August 26, 2023
Price: $15 – $23
Time: 7 p.m.
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE LIVE IN CONCERT Visit Website
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award ®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage.
Presented By: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dates: August 30, 2023
Price: From $30
Time: 7:30 p.m.
